Lyme disease is a bacterial disease that is transmitted by ticks.  Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria, is picked up by the tick when it feeds on an infected animal and can then spread to both humans and animals when the tick attaches and feeds again.  The most common tick to carry Lyme disease is the black-legged tick (also called deer tick) which can be found in grassy, wooded areas.  They are usually infected with the disease at a larval stage from feeding on small rodents or birds.  Lyme is a disease that is increasingly common.  In 2007, IDEXX Laboratories reported 747 positive Lyme cases in dogs across Canada.  Lyme transmitting ticks are found in the Ottawa/Gatineau area.

What are ticks? 

Ticks are external parasites that feed on warm-blooded animals.  They are about the size of a watermelon seed and thrive in grassy areas.  They attach to their host by inserting their hooked mouth and feeding tube into the skin.  As they feed, the tick will grow in size making it more visible.  Ticks can stay feeding on the host for up to 2 weeks before letting go.

Symptoms of Lyme 

Your dog could be infected with Lyme disease for weeks to months before showing signs.  Lameness due to joint pain is the most common symptom. Dogs that have contracted Lyme may also become lethargic or even develop kidney problems.  If you are concerned that your pet has been exposed to Lyme, your veterinarian is able to diagnose the disease with a physical exam and blood tests.  If your pet has indeed contracted Lyme disease, treatment can be long and involve a long course of antibiotics.  Therefore, it is important to do what you can to prevent Lyme disease.

Prevention 

If your dog is exposed to tall grass, bushes or moist areas, he or she may be at risk for Lyme disease. There are several preventative products that kill ticks, such as collars and topical medication.  Your veterinarian can inform you of what product would best suit your dog. You should inspect your dog regularly for ticks after walks or runs. If you do notice a tick on your dog, consult your veterinarian as to the best removal method.  Ideally, the tick should be kept to be sent out to a lab to determine if it a type of tick that can be a Lyme disease carrier.

Lyme Vaccine 

Another way to help prevent Lyme is to vaccinate against it.  The vaccine uses advanced technology to prevent the transmission of the disease from the tick to your dog.  Consult your veterinarian to discuss the vaccine and help your pet safe from Lyme disease.